Dates & Time

Excel formula for Convert text to a real date

Turn a date stored as text into a real date Excel can calculate with.

Copy this formula

=DATEVALUE(A2)

How the formula works

DATEVALUE parses a text string like "2026-06-23" into a date serial number. Format the result as a date. If the text uses an unusual layout, rebuild it with DATE(year, month, day).

Examples

=DATEVALUE("23/06/2026")→2026-06-23

Parses a text date into a real date.

Other ways to do this

Rebuild from parts

=DATE(RIGHT(A2,4), MID(A2,4,2), LEFT(A2,2))

Use when DATEVALUE can't parse the layout.

FAQ

DATEVALUE returns #VALUE! — why?

The text doesn't match a recognized date format for your regional settings. Rebuild it with DATE() from the parts.

Related formulas

Days between two dates Get the month name from a date

Functions used

DATEVALUE DATE

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